Two more ATMs stolen from supermarket in Crumlin

Detectives are investigating the theft of two ATMs from shops in Crumlin.

It happened at around 2.30am on Friday, on the main street of the Co. Antrim town.

Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Evan said the machines were removed from the wall by a digger and then placed in a pick-up truck.

The digger was set alight, before at least three men made off from the scene.

Just over an hour later, a second incident was reported, around 25 miles away in Craigavon

A telehandler was used in a bid to remove a cash machine from a wall beside Drumgor shops.

The thieves were unsuccessful in their attempes and fled, leaving both the ATM and the telehandler at the scene.

A full examination is taking place

The theft in Crumlin is the tenth of its kind in Northern Ireland this year.

Det Chief Supt Evans said it had "caused devastation and fear within the local communities".

He sought to reassure the public that they are doing all they can to prevent these attacks and cathc those responsible.

"We have dedicated teams of detectives investigating the attacks and increased the amount of resources dedicated to tackle this issue. Local police patrols continue to actively patrol vulnerable and high risk locations, day and night.

"However, the reality is that these attacks are carried out in a range of geographical areas and we cannot monitor every ATM, all of the time. We need the public to help us," he added.